2025 in review: FastCasual’s 10 most-read stories

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Top stories centered on major brand pivots, such as Golden Corral rebranding its fast casual concept, and the return of seasonal events like Starbucks' Red Cup…

Chipotle jumping on high protein trend

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams

Chipotle reaches 4,000th restaurant milestone with Kansas opening

December 15, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill marked a major corporate milestone Friday, opening its 4,000th restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas, moving the chain past the halfway point…

Chipotle offering free food, BOGO deals throughout December

December 1, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched several holiday promotions that will gift customers free food, including buy-one-get-one-free entrée offers on the first…

2026 restaurant outlook signaling challenges for fast casuals

December 1, 2025

Consumer spending on restaurants is holding steady, but fast casual operators must redouble efforts to deliver clear, consistent value to maintain momentum…

Chipotle marketing VP reveals strategy to win back Gen Z

Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with Stephanie Perdue, VP of brand marketing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to…

Chipotle taps NCR Voyix to launch rollout of next-gen POS

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 6, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill signed a six-year exclusive agreement with NCR Voyix Corp, deepening a partnership that spans more than 25 years, NCR Voyix CEO Jim…

Chipotle lowers sales forecast as younger diners cut back

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 30, 2025

Despite the quarterly volatility, the company remains confident in its long-term goals of surpassing $4 million in average unit volumes and expanding to 7,00…

Limited-service visits decline as customer service, value perceptions hit new lows

October 29, 2025

There may be a growing crisis for the limited-service restaurant industry, according to the 2025 QSR Reputation Ranking Report by Chatmeter, which analyzed…

Chipotle offering 'Chip-or-Treat' perks

October 24, 2025

Chipotle is also leveraging digital ordering to introduce Build-Your-Own Chipotle, a digital-exclusive family meal. The customizable spread is designed to…

YOLO to Solo: 5 things your restaurant guests want

by Jill Griep — Account Director, Bernstein Rein

The dining landscape is shifting fast, and today's guests are bringing new expectations with them every time they walk through the door. It's no longer just…

Chipotle launching Red Chimichurri sauce

September 29, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is adding a new sauce to its menu, a limited-time offering called Red Chimichurri.

Chipotle expanding to Asia

September 10, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a joint venture with SPC Group on Wednesday to open its first restaurants in Asia, with initial locations planned for South…

Carne Asada available as LTO at Chipotle

September 2, 2025

Carne Asada, Chipotle's most-searched menu item on Google, is returning to the menu Thursday at U.S. and Canada locations. Available for a limited time, the…

Chipotle launches 'Build-Your-Own' meal kit

August 25, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching a "Build-Your-Own Chipotle" meal kit, a digital-exclusive offering designed to feed four to six people. The customizable…

Chipotle rewarding college students with extra points, dorm decor

August 20, 2025

Chipotle is giving back to students with its new Chipotle U Rewards program, designed to reward every part of the college experience. It's the first-ever…

Chipotle reports flat comps, lower profit in Q2

July 23, 2025

A slowdown in consumer spending and weather incidents that led to Chipotle's dismal Q1 performance intensified in Q2 as it reported flat comparable restaurant…

Fast casuals hanging on as consumers prioritize groceries amid cuts

July 1, 2025

While U.S. consumers are spending more than twice as much on groceries as on food at restaurants, fast casual brands remain a significant portion of their…

Chipotle debuting Adobo Ranch

June 9, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is adding its first new dip in five years to menu. Adobo Ranch, featuring dobo pepper, sour cream and a blend of herbs and spices, is…

Chipotle opens event space in Ohio

June 4, 2025

Chipotle has opened a meeting and event space called The Pepper Training Center inside its Restaurant Support Center in Columbus' Downtown Arena District at…